In the beautiful town of Mértola inside Portugal’s sunny Alentejo region, you can find a delicious traditional family-run ice cream shop that’s been around for over 50 years! Made with love and secret recipes, Gelado Nicolau’s ice cream is a must-try for anyone visiting Mértola.
Popular ice cream since 1955: Gelado Nicolau
The story of Gelado Nicolau starts back in 1955 with Amândio’s dad: João Nicolau. Back then, they had to bring the ice all the way from another town to make their ice cream in Mértola! Amândio learned the craft from his father and continues to make the ice cream by using the same family recipes.
Nowadays, Amândio’s ice cream cart is a popular place in Mértola. It’s brightly colored and has umbrellas to keep things cool. The menu is simple but delicious, with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and popsicles. Therefore, Amândio uses fresh ingredients and you can taste the love in every lick!
Where to enjoy ice cream in the Alentejo?
In Mértola and the area around, Amândio is an ice cream maker as well as a local legend! Everyone knows him as “Nicolau dos gelados” (Nicolau of the ice creams). On top, he’s always happy to chat with customers and brings a smile to everyone’s face with his friendly greetings. You’ll see him at all the fairs and festivals, calling out “Hey customer, ice cream!” to tempt everyone with a cool treat.
Photo from Facebook @GeladosNicolau
Nowadays, Gelado Nicolau reflects the taste of Mértola itself and perfectly fits into this historical town. It’s a reminder of the town’s history, its connection to the land and the warm hospitality of the people. Amândio’s passion and love for his craft made him a beloved member of the community. Besides his ice cream cart, he also has a small, nostalgic shop right in the town of Mértola.
Great place to visit in Mértola
If you’re ever in Mértola, be sure to try out Amândio’s ice cream. Take a bite of a Gelado Nicolau and taste the delicious tradition that has been passed down for generations. it’s a taste of Mértola’s heart and soul.
